February27, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sen. Rand Paul joined Rep. Ted Poe (R-Texas) to introduce the “Constitutional Check and Balance Act.” The legislation authorizes members of Congress to bring an action for declaratory and injunctive relief in response to a written statement made by the President – or any other executive branch official – that directs that branch to not enforce a provision of federal law.

“I am excited to join my friend Rep. Poe in introducing legislation to provide a way to seek relief in federal court when the executive branch decides they don’t want to follow the law,” said Sen. Paul. “The Obama administration is trying to rewrite Obamacare by executive fiat and that act is a violation of the separation of powers in the United States Constitution. This and other attempts by the Obama administration to rewrite the law can be stopped if this bill becomes law.”

“As most Americans learned in eighth grade civics, the Constitution requires that the Executive Branch enforces laws passed by the Legislative Branch,” said Rep. Poe. “Unfortunately, this Administration treats the law as a mere suggestion, picking and choosing which ones to enforce. This legislation provides a pathway for Members of Congress to go after the Administration in federal court when it fails to enforce laws passed by the legislative branch. It utilizes the principle of checks and balances when the Executive has abused its power. It is time for Congress to reign in the Imperial President.”